asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the very big unemployment levels in New Ross town and area, exacerbated by the redundancies at the Albatros Fertilizer factory and Great Island generating station; if he will ensure that all possible avenues will be explored to reopen Ross Company, for offshore oil related industry and to secure a tenant for the advance factory built at New Ross, citing the excellent facilities, good road network, railway connection and port; and if he will make a detailed statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Ross (Wexford) Unemployment Levels.
3.
I am aware of the level of unemployment in New Ross. The Industrial Development Authority are making every effort to secure an industry for the 28,000 sq. ft. advance factory in the town. In addition, the IDA are also promoting a 28 acre site for suitable manufacturing industry. Since 1981, the IDA have been trying to secure a takeover of the Ross Company, and these efforts are being maintained.
The recent reduncancies at Albatros Fertilizers Limited were part of a rationalisation programme necessary to secure the employment of the remaining 155 employees and the future viability of the company at New Ross.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that there has been no closure of Great Island to date, and that no jobs have been lost. The board have also said that there is no immediate likelihood of closure of the station.
I can assure the Deputy that if the Irish offshore oil business develops, every effort will be made to ensure that Irish industry benefits to the fullest extent possible.
Will the Minister accept that the Ross Company have expertise in offshore oil industrial servicing? Will he ensure that interested firms are directed to New Ross?
The Ross Company was founded in 1971 and was profitable up to around 1977 when substantial losses were being made. I can assure the Deputy that both the receiver and the IDA have been very involved in trying to get a takeover of the yard. Firms interested in the industry have been directed to the receiver who has the primary responsibility for managing the affairs of the company in receivership.
Can the Minister tell me the number of companies interested in the advance factory at New Ross and if any particular interest is being pursued at present?
I cannot give the number of companies that have visited the advance factory in New Ross and it is not the practice for me to indicate the name of any particular company that would be interested, or concerning which negotiations would be in train with the IDA.
Will the Minister tell me if a particular line is being followed at present?
The House will appreciate that it is not the practice to give the names of companies which might be in negotiation with the IDA in respect of any one factory, and I am not in a position to do so in respect of the advance factory the Deputy mentioned.
I am not asking for a name. I am asking if a particular interest is being pursued at present. Will the Minister give a yes or no answer?
I cannot say that at present there is a company in direct negotiation with the IDA regarding the advance factory.
Would the Minister agree with his colleague, Deputy Avril Doyle, that the Government have no interest in Wexford, and that interested companies have been directed away from Wexford in the past?
That does not arise under this question.
Does the Minister agree with his colleague, Deputy Avril Doyle? She has said that on numerous occasions. All I want is a yes or no answer.